Zachary Braun currently serves as an Associate in Government Affairs at the Regional Transportation Authority of Northeastern Illinois, a position held since March 2023. Previously, Zachary worked with the Illinois State Senate Democratic Caucus from January 2019 to March 2023, where roles included Editor and Media & Outreach Specialist. Additional experience includes a position as Production Associate at The Strategy Group from August 2020 to November 2020, and Field Organizer for State Senator Julie Morrison from August 2018 to November 2018. Zachary holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and Government with a focus on Political Communication from Illinois State University, earned in 2018.
Regional Transportation Authority of Northeastern Illinois (RTA)
The Regional Transportation Authority (a.k.a. RTA) was created in 1974. In 1983, the amended Act created three "service boards" known as the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra commuter rail and Pace suburban bus. The RTA's primary responsibilities became financial and budget oversight of CTA, Metra and Pace, and regional transit planning issues. Guiding the RTA's oversight responsibility is a Board of Directors who approves an annual budget and two-year financial plan. The Board consists of 15 members and a chairman appointed from the six-county region. The RTA Board is also required annually to review and approve a five-year capital plan, which is a blueprint of the capital activities to be funded by the RTA and executed by the CTA, Metra, and Pace.